Do you experience persistent abdominal pain or have noticed blood in your stool? To add on, do you even experience fatigue and weakness? These symptoms may point to a serious health condition; bowel cancer. It is important to learn its symptoms for early detection to substantially improve the survival rates.
Dr Sachin Marda, Senior Consultant Oncologist and Robotic Surgeon (Cancer Specialist), Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad, explained bowel cancer and listed the symptoms that you should not overlook.
What Is Bowel Cancer
Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is a kind of cancer that affects the colon or rectum. Cells in the lining of the colon and rectum can grow abnormally, leading to the development of bowel cancer. According to the Indian Journal of Surgical Oncology (IJSC), it is the third most prevalent cancer in males and the second most frequent cancer in females, with over 1.4 million new cancer cases identified each year.
Risk Factors Of Bowel Cancer
- Age: Colorectal cancer risk increases with age. As a result, doctors advise testing for those who are at high risk or above the age of 50.
- Gender: Men are more likely than women to develop bowel cancer.
- Family History: You are more likely to get bowel cancer if someone in your family has had bowel cancer in the past.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): IBD patients may experience persistent inflammation of the large intestine.
- Diet: A low-fibre and high-fat diet, or a diet high in processed meats can make you more prone to this cancer.
- Obesity and physical inactivity
- Alcohol consumption and tobacco use
Early Signs Of Bowel Cancer
Dr Marda said that the rare cases can begin as non-cancerous polyps. Some of the signs that you should watch out for are as follows:
Persistent Abdominal Discomfort
Another sign that you should watch out for is persistent abdominal discomfort. Bowel cancer can cause tumours or blockages in the colon or rectum, leading to these symptoms. If the pain is severe, accompanied by weight loss, or persists for an extended period, consult your healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation.
Persistent Changes in Bowel Habits
Take note if you notice a sudden change in the frequency, consistency, or appearance of your bowel movements. For example, if you have unexplained diarrhoea or constipation that lasts longer than a few weeks, it could be an early indicator of bowel cancer.
Also Read: Bowel Movements: Tips For Healthy Bowel Movements
Blood In Stool
Dr Marda said that it is essential not to ignore the presence of blood in the stool as it may indicate numerous gastrointestinal conditions, including bowel cancer. While the blood may not always be visible, it can also appear as dark or black stools, which indicate bleeding in the upper digestive tract.
Fatigue and Weakness
Other signs of bowel cancer include fatigue and weakness. Cancer cells can disrupt normal bodily functions, causing fatigue even without significant physical exertion. If you notice a persistent feeling of tiredness or weakness that does not improve with rest, it is advisable to consult your doctor for further investigation.
Iron Deficiency Anaemia
Bowel cancer can induce chronic gastrointestinal bleeding, leading to iron deficiency anaemia. If you have symptoms like persistent fatigue, pale complexion, shortness of breath, or dizziness, you should have your blood checked for anaemia.
Unexplained Weight Loss
If you notice weight loss without making any changes to your diet or exercise routine, it could be a sign of bowel cancer. Tumours in the colon or rectum can affect your body's ability to absorb nutrients, leading to unintended weight loss.
Also Read: Symptoms And Causes Of Unexplained Weight Loss
Bottomline
Dr Marda concluded that there is no proven way to prevent bowel cancer, however, you may lower your risk by managing body weight, being physically active and making healthy food choices. Bowel cancer usually does not show any symptoms until it reaches advanced stages. As a result, it's critical to consult with your doctor about any necessary screening tests.
Disclaimer
The information in this article is provided by an expert, however, we recommend you consult your expert for a diagnosis based on your medical history and body type.